Where Your Money Goes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation, Inc. (CNSF)?
The Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation, Inc. is an independent Virginia nonprofit and IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. It was created to rally support behind CNU Sailing, give supporters a transparent and donor-protected way to invest in the team, and make the case to CNU’s leadership to reinstate varsity sailing.
What is the goal of the campaign?
Our immediate milestone is to raise $1 million by July 1, 2026 to show CNU’s leadership the strength of community support for this team. July 1 is a show of support, not a finish line. Whether or not we reach $1 million by that date, we will keep building toward a permanent endowment for CNU Sailing. The endowment is the goal until we reach it.
Where does my money go?
Completed donations are deposited into Foundation-controlled accounts in the name of CNSF. Each gift is recorded with the donor, amount, date, payment method, and any written designation. Funds are tracked by category — including gifts restricted to the Save CNU Sailing Campaign — and the Board approves budgets, expenditures, and investments. Funds are used only for the Foundation’s permitted charitable and educational sailing purposes and consistent with any donor restrictions.
Can I restrict my gift to CNU Sailing?
Yes. The clearest way is to designate your gift in writing when you give. Campaign-designated gifts are restricted to the Save CNU Sailing purpose and will be recorded and administered consistent with donor intent, applicable law, and Board-approved financial controls.
Suggested designation: “My gift is restricted to the Save CNU Sailing Campaign.”
What happens if varsity sailing is not restored?
Gifts designated to the Save CNU Sailing Campaign will be recorded and administered for the preservation, reinstatement, continuation, or long-term support of Christopher Newport University sailing or a university-affiliated successor sailing program. If no viable CNU varsity, club, or university-affiliated sailing pathway can be preserved, reinstated, or established, CNSF will communicate with affected donors and administer designated gifts consistent with the gift record, donor restrictions, applicable law, and any Board-approved contingency policy.
Who controls the funds?
The Board of Directors manages the Foundation and approves budgets, expenditures, investments, and major fund decisions. The Treasurer keeps the accounts, deposits funds in the name of CNSF, disburses funds as authorized, and reports to the Board. Disbursements are subject to Board-approved financial controls.
Why give through CNSF?
CNSF was created as an independent, donor-protected vehicle for supporters who want their gifts recorded, restricted, and administered for the CNU Sailing purpose. Campaign-designated gifts are held by CNSF and tracked according to donor intent, applicable law, and Board-approved financial controls.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation, Inc. is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN: 42-2074123. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their own tax advisor. For gifts of $250 or more, CNSF provides a written acknowledgment you can keep for your records.
How do I give?
Online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/save-cnu-sailing
Zelle: Send to foundation@christophernewportsailingalumni.com (recipient: The Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation). Zelle gifts go directly to the Foundation’s bank account.
By check: Make checks payable to “Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation, Inc.” and mail to Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation, Inc., 124 Columbia Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669.